Dimmuborgir

North , Iceland
Photos

Dimmuborgir is a vast lava field in the Mývatn region in the north of Iceland, with huge lava pillars, extreme lava rock formations, rock arches, and caves. The lava pillars, or lava chimneys, as they are also called, are striking geological formations that add a very dramatic element to the location. There are numerous walking paths, you can walk along them and explore the rocks from different viewpoints. The pillars are tall and have distinctive patterns and textures with rough and rugged surfaces. The colour varies from dark grey to black, which creates a fantastic contrast between the lava and the vegetation around it. A truly magical place with a labyrinthine atmosphere. You can easily spend hours exploring and discovering new viewpoints of this unique landscape. The hiking trails are excellent and vary in length. Game of Thrones fans may recognise the location.

There are no videos or 360° available for this location as a drone flying is stricly forbidden due to birdlife.

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  • Climate

    Climate

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  • Lighting conditions

    Lighting conditions

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  • Accessibility, services and permits

    Accessibility, services and permits

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  • Visitors and risk factors

    Visitors and risk factors

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Accessibility

The location is close to route number 1, and the car park is only 1.2 km from the main road around Lake Mývatn. There are numerous hiking trails at the location which vary in length and are accessible for 6-wheelers with permission from rangers.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Car recommended
Unchallenging terrain accessible by car
Good phone coverage
Generally good phone coverage without any major interruptions
Guide recommended
Guidance is suggested, but not required

Services nearby

Nearest hospital is in Akureyri, 83 kilometres away. Around this area, there are numerous farms, guesthouses and hotels. Within a 20-kilometre radius, there are convenience stores, a gas station, restaurants and other services.
Accommodation
< 30 km
Gas station
< 30 km
Hospital or emergency room
More than 50 km away
Parking
< 1 km
Restaurants
< 30 km
Shopping
< 30 km

Permits

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This area needs a two-way permit.
Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit
The area is preserved by Icelandic nature law.
Shooting permits are issued by the local government

Basecamp and facilities

There are two large parking lot outside the entrance to Dimmuborgir. The main panoramic viewpoint is at a slightly elevated level outside the visitor centre. There are facilities on site with a small café and phone coverage is excellent and good inside the lava field.

Risk factors

The lava field and the lava pillars are sharp and jugged and can be treacherous to walk on. The rocks can be unstable, and the paths vary from very easy to moderate in difficulty. This area is preserved by law.

Visitors

The area is on the Diamond Circle and is very popular with tourists and locals.

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